Plan the Perfect Weekend in Ouseburn and Heaton
The Ouseburn Valley has fast become the epicentre of Newcastle's creative arts scene and it's home to lots of indie-cafés, cool bars, and established live music venues
Eat...
Between Stepney Road and Stepney Bank there’s an eclectic mix of fantastic restaurants and bars – starting with Ernest, a delightful café and eatery in the day, serving favourites such as their hash bowls, transforming into a bar and club scene by night. Just up the road is Ouseburn Garden, the ultimate beer garden hangout, alongside meaty legends Brack Burger. Journey further on and you find Cook House, a popular neighbourhood bistro and Kiln, a potter’s shop, restaurant and bar. Brinkburn Street Brewery is a craft beer tap room while next door, Miso is a Japanese restaurant and bar inspired by Japan’s izakaya. The Ship Inn and the Tanners Arms are two popular traditional pubs, or head to Northern Rye for freshly baked bread and delicious sweet treats to take out.
Browse...
Explore two floors of gallery spaces at The Biscuit Factory, and stop by Big River Bakery for their famous stotties. Ernie (the little brother of Ernest) sells a wide collection of artisan food stuffs and locally-made gifts. Round the corner on Stepney Lane find Wildflower, the florists. Lime Street Studios is home to many local artists and designer makers, and for self-confessed book worms, Seven Stories has a huge collection of children’s books, exhibition spaces and events. On the first Saturday of every month visit Mushroom Works’ shop to see what their resident makers and designers have been creating. At nearby Hoults Yard grab yourself a box of doughnuts from Proven Goods Co and a case of craft beer from Full Circle Brewery. Flaura Rose is a colourful new addition to Lime Street stocking vibrant fashion, art, coffee and doughnuts.
DON’T MISS
The Cluny is a pub and events space in Newcastle – it’s definitely worth checking if there’s a live gig on. Cobalt Studios is similar to The Cluny, only scratching a more indie itch, with daily community art shows and gigs. Take a tour of the award-winning Victoria Tunnels which run under the city and learn about their fascinating history. Animal lovers must visit Ouseburn Farm for a coffee and a cuddle with some very daft goats, or head to Stepney Bank Stables to see the horses. Just past Ouseburn Pottery, a quaint pottery making studio which offers beginner to intermediate courses, there’s the scenic Riverside Walk. Meanwhile, for those looking to get more active, there are a number of classes at The Yoga x Life Studios, or you can just turn up for an indoor bouldering session at The Valley Climbing Centre.
Read More: Seven North Yorkshire B&Bs to Escape To
Around the corner
Heaton is quickly becoming a go-to hotspot for foodies, from tempting tapas at Boquerones to live fire cooking at Smoke and Sear. For fresh pizza, it’s a hard choice between Punto and Flint, while Neighbourhood is a must-visit for freshly ground coffee and a pastry, or for a tipple you can visit Heaton Tap, Flight Bar and Elder Beer. If you’re looking for indulgent dining with a difference, look no further than Nest – but make sure to book well in advance for their Sunday lunch. Meanwhile, the seasonal tasting menus with natural wine pairings at Michelin-recommended Rebel are a must-try. There are plenty of places to pick up good produce too; Block and Bottle are renowned for their meat; Estate Tea Co are merchants in loose leaf tea; and 109 General Store is where you’ll find everything to stock up your pantry.
Last Updated: May 2024
